Interpersonal Violence Specialist – Counsellor, Social Worker or Psychologist

Support student wellbeing and safety as a specialist in Interpersonal Violence. This role is suited to an experienced counsellor, social worker, psychologist, or other suitably qualified mental health professional with expertise in trauma-informed practice, sexual harm, family violence, and interpersonal violence response.

• Support student wellbeing and safety
• Access career development opportunities, including reduced fees for University papers
• Up to 6.75% employer contributions to Unisaver NZ superannuation scheme

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

We’re looking for an adaptable mental health professional to join our Student Health Service as an Interpersonal Violence specialist. Open to qualified counsellors, psychologists and social workers, this varied role combines specialist student support with staff consultation, capability building and violence prevention.

You’ll provide trauma-informed support to students affected by interpersonal violence, including sexual harm, family and relationship violence, harassment and coercive behaviour. You’ll also advise staff on safe and appropriate responses, contribute to training and prevention initiatives, and work with internal teams and community agencies to strengthen support for students.

This is an opportunity to combine specialist student support with staff consultation and violence prevention initiatives. You may also provide general counselling and therapeutic support, as required.

In this role, you will:

• Provide counselling, crisis intervention, risk assessment and safety planning.
• Guide and build staff capability in responding to interpersonal violence.
• Contribute clinical expertise to prevention campaigns, education and training.
• Strengthen referral pathways, partnerships and service improvements.
• Work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team to support student wellbeing.

Remuneration will be based on the skills, knowledge, and experience you bring to the role. This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week) based at our Hillcrest Campus.

For more information about the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Angela Field, Clinical Manager, Mental Health and Wellbeing, a.field@waikato.ac.nz. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.
Please note: We will be reviewing applications as they are received and may begin the interview process before the closing date. Early applications are encouraged.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You’re a registered counsellor, social worker or clinical psychologist with specialist expertise in interpersonal and sexual violence. You bring a strong understanding of trauma, coercive control, sexual harm, and family and relationship violence, alongside experience providing therapeutic support, conducting risk assessments and developing safety plans.

You’re equally comfortable applying your expertise beyond direct clinical practice. You can act as a specialist resource for staff, provide guidance on complex situations, build organisational capability and contribute to prevention initiatives, education and strategic activities. You communicate confidently, exercise sound professional judgement and build effective relationships across professional disciplines and external agencies.

You’re committed to culturally responsive, inclusive practice and equitable outcomes for Māori, Pacific, Rainbow and diverse student communities. Adaptable and collaborative, you’re motivated to strengthen both individual support and the University’s broader response to interpersonal violence.

Don’t meet every single requirement? If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly match every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. At the University of Waikato, we value diverse perspectives and transferable skills, and you might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

The Student Services Division provides high-quality integrated services that foster engagement, promote wellbeing and support students in achieving their academic goals. The work of the Division comprises the following student services: administrative processes from enrolment through to graduation, enquiry management, pastoral care, international student services, health, accommodation, counselling, disabilities support, career development services, sport and wellbeing, student surveys and student complaints and appeals.

The Director of Campus Life is responsible for the overall management of the Division, with assistance from a team of Associate Directors including the Associate Director Student Health.

The Student Health Service provides high quality, accessible primary health care, mental health and counselling services to the University of Waikato students and enhances the educational process by modifying or removing health-related barriers to personal development and learning.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata - For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close on Sunday November 8, 2026
We will be reviewing applications as they are received and may begin the interview process before the closing date. Early applications are encouraged.
Requisition number: 1003791